Chiefs, Dwayne Bowe reportedly in discussions about new contract

The Kansas City Chiefs have "made it clear" that they want to keep wide receiver Dwayne Bowe, and the two sides are in discussions about a new contract, NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reported on Thursday.

Bowe will be a free agent this offseason. The Chiefs used their franchise tag on him last offseason, under which he received $9.5 million in the one-year contract. Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio reported that if the Chiefs used the franchise tag for a second straight season — something they haven't yet indicated they would be willing to do — Bowe would get a one-year, $11.4 million guaranteed contract.

The Chiefs' apparent urgency in contract talks signals a shift in the new leadership of head coach Andy Reid and general manager John Dorsey. Previous general manager Scott Pioli was not sold on giving Bowe, 28, a long-term contract.

Bowe caught 59 passes last season for 801 yards, a 13.6-yard average per catch. He also had three touchdowns. He was lost for the season after breaking his ribs during a 30-7 loss to the Cleveland Browns in December.